Office of Hawaiian Affairs accepting applications for Native Hawaiian food entrepreneur development program

Office of Hawaiian Affairs is now accepting applications for its Kūlana ʻĀina Business Development Program.

The program is designed to support Native Hawaiian food entrepreneurs ready to grow and expand their businesses throughout Hawaiʻi’s food economy.

“Kūlana ʻĀina is about creating real opportunities for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs to grow sustainable, thriving businesses,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs Director of Economic and Business Resilience Poni Askew in an announcement about the program. “Through this program, participants gain the tools, connections and confidence to expand their reach and participate more fully in Hawaiʻi’s food economy.”

Application period closes April 26. Space is limited; interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.

All sessions are scheduled from May 16-June 11 at Office of Hawaiian Affairs Honolulu headquarters. The series includes a kickoff session May 16 followed by four weekly sessions on Thursday evenings.

The program is tailored for established, early-stage business owners ready to take the next step in growing their food-related businesses.

Participants will build practical skills rooted in ʻōiwi values, with sessions focused on brand development, marketing, retail sales and goal setting, finishing with a clearer business direction, actionable growth strategies and increased readiness to access new market opportunities, including institutional food systems.

The in-person workshop series is free to eligible applicants who are permanent residents of Hawaiʻi and own or operate a food-related business beyond the startup phase.

That includes packaged food producers, catering businesses, restaurants, commercial farmers and food-based experiences.

Kūlana ʻĀina Business Development Program is offered in partnership with University of Hawaiʻi Office of Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation and Systems Change Hawaiʻi.

“This partnership with [Office of Hawaiian Affairs] drives systemic change by helping local food entrepreneurs transform their operations for greater sustainability and community impact,” said University of Hawaiʻi Office of Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation Program Manager for Design and Innovation Alec Wagner in the release. “Through this program, we hope to show how Hawaiʻi’s values and business excellence are not only compatible, but they are also the essential foundation for a regenerative food system and economic future for our islands and the world.”

Visit the Office of Hawaiian Affairs website or complete the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Beneficiary Interest Form online to apply or learn more about the program.